Things to Know Before You Book a Hire Car in the UK

There is some important information you need to know before you make a car hire booking in the UK. For example, you will need to consider important factors such as what kind of vehicle will be best to hire, whether you are planning to purchase any excess reduction products, and if you meet the minimum age requirements. VroomVroomVroom has put together a list to help you make a car hire booking.

What is the best type of vehicle to hire in the UK?

You will need to consider where you will be travelling, your driving ability, and whether you feel more confident in a manual or automatic car. Manual vehicles are far more common in the UK, and generally smaller vehicles are preferred for driving in the city. Here is a list of the types of vehicle you can hire in the United Kingdom:

What are the age restrictions to hire a car?

Generally, the minimum age to hire a car in the United Kingdom is 21 years old. Drivers aged from 21 to 24 often are required to pay a Young Driver Surcharge, and they are unable to hire vehicles from premium, luxury and elite categories.

Many of our suppliers do not have maximum age limits enforced. In some cases, drivers over 75 may be unable to hire from some depots. It is best to check the terms and conditions of your rental, as age limits can differ between locations.

How much does it cost to hire a car in the UK?

The price of the vehicle depends on many factors. For example, the price varies based on the location you are hiring from, the type of vehicle, the time of year, and whether you are requesting any optional extras or adding additional drivers. You may also have to pay age surcharges. For example, here are some of the extra charges you may have to pay:

Is roadside assistance included in the price?

All of our suppliers offer some level of roadside assistance. In some cases, this is included in the price, but it may have restrictions. You have the option to purchase additional protection products, which includes cover for lost keys, tyre damage, flat batteries, running out of fuel, glass damage and more.

Licence requirements

You will need to make sure you meet the relevant licence requirements before hire a car. If you have a licence from outside the EU, you will need to check whether you need an International Driving Permit.

Is my rental car going to be insured?

When you hire a car in the United Kingdom, you will be liable to pay a capped excess amount for any damage caused to the vehicle. At the rental depot, you will have the option to purchase excess reduction products that can reduce your financial liability. Some renters choose to rely on their existing travel insurance policies to cover the excess. It is important to check the inclusions and exclusions of your policy to make sure you are covered.

You can read more about how car rental excess reduction works in the UK here.

Before you hire a car

Before you hire a car in the United Kingdom, make sure you know what sort of vehicle will suit your needs and driving ability. Be mindful of any extra fees and surcharges that you may incur based on any requested extras, or the location you are hiring from. You should also make sure you meet the minimum age requirements at your preferred location.